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Determining the variability of performance on Wingate anaerobic tests in children aged 6-12 years
G Naughton1, J Carlson, I Fairweather
1Center for Human Performance and Development, Victoria University of Technology, Footscray, Australia.
Insights
This study found that computerized games significantly reduced variability in Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT) fatigue index (FI%) for children. Game-based testing may improve pediatric assessment consistency.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Exercise Science
- Sports Physiology
- Human Performance Measurement
Background:
- The Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT) is used to assess anaerobic performance.
- Variability in WAnT performance can affect the reliability of results, particularly in pediatric populations.
- Previous studies have reported coefficients of variation (C.V.) for adult WAnT performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the coefficient of variation (C.V.) in Wingate anaerobic tests (WAnTs) for healthy male children aged 6-12 years.
- To examine the impact of a computerized onscreen game on the variability of the fatigue index (FI%) in pediatric WAnT performance.
Main Methods:
- Children aged 6, 8, 10, and 12 years performed four WAnTs over four weeks.
- Performance data including peak power (PP), mean power (MP), and fatigue index (FI%) were analyzed for C.V.
- The second part involved comparing C.V. of FI% with and without a computerized feedback game linked to pedal cadence.
Main Results:
- Age-related differences were found in peak power (PP) and mean power (MP), but not in the fatigue index (FI%).
- The C.V. for FI% in children (26.7%) was substantially higher than in previously studied adults (10.3%).
- A computerized feedback game significantly decreased the C.V. of the FI% from 23.6% to 16.3%.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric WAnT performance shows higher variability in the fatigue index compared to adults.
- Computerized, game-based feedback can enhance the consistency of WAnT results in children.
- Game-based testing procedures are suggested for more reliable assessment of pediatric populations.
Abstract:
In two parts, this study investigated variability of performance in Wingate anaerobic tests (WAnTs) of normal, healthy, male children aged six, eight, ten and twelve years. The purpose of the first part of the study was to investigate the mean coefficient of variation (C.V. = [S.D./X].100) of children who performed four WAnTs over a period of four weeks. The results revealed age-related differences in the performance data of peak power (PP) and mean power (MP) but no differences between age groups in fatigue index (FI%) = [PP-Pend)/PP.100]. C.V. data from this group of children did not differ significantly between ages in any of the dependent variables. Coggan and Costill (5) measured the variability of male adults during 30 seconds of highly intense cycling and reported C.V.s in PP and MP performances of 6.7 and 6.5%, respectively. C.V.s of children in the first part of the present study were 7.3 and 6.8% for PP and MP, respectively. The C.V. in the FI% of the children (26.7%) however differed substantially from the previously studied adults (10.3%). The second part of the study was conducted to examine the C.V. in FI% performances of children in the WAnT. The purpose of this part of the study was to examine the extent to which a computerized onscreen game, which was linked to pedal cadence affected the variability of children performing WAnTs. A significant decrease was obtained in the C.V. of the FI% in the presence of the computerized feedback game (16.3 and 23.6, with and without the game, respectively). It is suggested that game-based testing procedures may ensure more consistent result in the assessment of pediatric populations.